Tired of the same old turkey sandwich? Let's transform those leftover Thanksgiving treasures into exciting new meals! This post offers delicious and easy recipes that use up leftover mashed potatoes and turkey, turning potential food waste into fantastic homemade cooking experiences. These are perfect quick dinner ideas for busy weeknights, or even fun weekend projects.
Creamy Turkey and Potato Soup
This comforting soup is a fantastic way to use leftover mashed potatoes and turkey, creating a healthy meal perfect for chilly evenings. It's surprisingly quick to make, offering a delicious and satisfying experience with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the onion and celery in a little butter or oil until softened. Add the garlic and thyme and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the mashed potatoes and shredded turkey. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the milk or cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- For a thicker soup, use less broth. For a thinner soup, add more.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds depth of flavor.
Turkey and Potato Fritters
These crispy fritters are a fun and flavorful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and turkey, offering a great combination of textures and tastes. They are quick and easy to prepare and make a great appetizer or a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes
- 1 cup cooked turkey, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, turkey, cheese, and green onions.
- Stir in the beaten egg and flour until just combined. Don't overmix.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Variations:
- Add some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor.
- Experiment with different cheeses – pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even crumbled feta would be delicious.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving, may vary based on ingredients):
Turkey and Potato Soup: Calories: 250-300, Protein: 20-25g, Fat: 10-15g
Turkey and Potato Fritters: Calories: 200-250, Protein: 15-20g, Fat: 10-15g
These recipes are simple, delicious, and a great way to minimize food waste. Enjoy these easy recipes and discover the joy of transforming leftovers into new, exciting, and healthy meals! Happy cooking!